Fennel is a relative of carrot, complete with leafy tops and a thick root, though without the characteristic orange color. It is a popular ingredient in cuisine worldwide, particularly in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Its flavor is often compared to anise, one of the key flavors in licorice, though fennel’s flavor is milder. Every part of the fennel plant can be used for cooking, including the stems, greens, flowers, and the root, which has an almost onion-like, layered structure.
